For a period in 1977-78 (after the death of altoist Paul Desmond), pianist Dave Brubeck had a quartet with his sons keyboardist Darius, drummer Dan and Chris on bass and trombone. This Montreux concert features five of Dave Brubeck's originals (including "It's a Raggy Waltz" and "In Your Own Sweet Way") along with the standard "It Could Happen to You" and finds father Dave in fine form even if Desmond is clearly missed.
This is the long-awaited and much requested recording of Jon Cleary captured live at his regular New Orleans Tuesday night gig at local hang Chickie Wah Wah. On this new disc, his first solo piano record, Jon plays an even mix of his own compositions. With favorites like “When You Get Back” and covers of obscure old RnB tunes he learnt from the likes of Snooks Eaglin, Earl King and Jessie Hill, these tracks showcase his rocking and funky barrelhouse New Orleans piano style, stripped down and raw.
Bruce Barth came into the jazz scene in the mid-'80s and has assembled an impressive discography, both as a leader and sideman. These 2010 performances at Smalls with bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Rudy Royston find him in top form, focusing primarily on his infectious post-bop compositions, though he frequently surprises the listener with his shape-shifting melodies.